Official | Bochum and Holstein Kiel relegated from the Bundesliga | OneFootball

Matchday 33 of the Bundesliga confirmed the relegations of both Bochum and Holstein Kiel as the pair succumbed to defeats against Mainz and Freiburg.

Kiel were on the verge of potential survival as a win or draw against Freiburg would have kept them within touch of the relegation playoff after a revival in their performances in recent weeks. However, it was too little, too late, and they headed straight back down to the 2.Bundesliga after their first ever season in the Bundesliga.

Bochum’s relegation brings to an end a four-year stint in the top flight, where they have progressively got worse over the years and only avoided relegation last season after a miraculous comeback against Fortuna Düsseldorf in the playoff last season.

The Ruhr side looked like they had turned a corner at the turn of the year under Dieter Hecking; however, despite wins against Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, they were unable to build upon this.

The relegation playoff spot will go down to the final day of the season and will be between Heidenheim and Hoffenheim, and potentially St.Pauli if they fail to beat Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.

Frank Schmidt’s side beat Union Berlin 3-0 to leave them within three points of Hoffenheim, who play Bayern Munich on the final day of the season, while Heidenheim play Werder Bremen at home. If there is a six-goal swing in favour of Heidenheim next Saturday, Hoffenheim could be in the relegation playoff. However, even if this event happens, if St Pauli fails to beat relegated Bochum, they will be in the playoffs instead.

GGFN | Jack Meenan